Interchangeable Jewelry Components

ABSTRACT

An interchangeable jewelry device includes a locket including a body having a locket wall defining a cavity, and wherein the locket has opposing, discrete locket ribs extending outwardly adjacent to a lower edge of the locket wall, a case including a socket defined by a socket wall sized to receive the body of the locket, wherein the case has opposing, discrete case ribs adjacent to an upper edge of the socket wall, a first magnet positioned on an exterior surface of the body of the locket, and a second magnet positioned on an interior surface of the socket of the case. Each of the first and second magnets has an oblong shape. The first and second magnets are aligned and the locket and case ribs are engaged when the locket is secured within the socket of the case.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/292,105 filed Oct. 12, 2016, which incorporates by reference and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 62/240,064 filed on Oct. 12, 2015.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to an interchangeable jewelry component. More specifically, the present invention relates to a jewelry locket and case assembly that may be adapted to be used across multiple jewelry formats.

Accessorizing can be a daunting task for many, especially when it comes to jewelry. The variety of jewelry styles makes it difficult to decide on the right piece, both at the point of purchase and on a day-to-day basis. Jewelry wearers must select from a broad category of jewelry styles (necklaces, bracelets, etc.), and then they must select which designs in those categories best suit their outfit for the day.

Many design styles incorporate colorful jewels and other elements that may not match a majority of outfits in the user's wardrobe. For this reason, jewelry wearers seek to find pieces that are versatile. But in order to build a versatile jewelry collection, the wearer must account for the many different styles of jewelry. On one day the wearer might want to wear a necklace, and on another day the wearer might prefer to wear a bracelet and not a necklace.

Ideally, the wearer would have a reliable, versatile piece of jewelry in every category. However, if there were one design they preferred over all the others that occurred on one piece of jewelry, the wearer would have to settle for other designs if they needed to wear a different style of jewelry. Further, the cost of building a versatile jewelry collection could be extensive in both time and money.

Unfortunately, the value of this selection process produces little benefit other than the satisfaction of choosing the best-looking piece. Jewelry is typically only for ornamentation and not function unless it is being used as a watch.

Accordingly, there is a need for an interchangeable locket device that can be adapted to multiple styles of jewelry, can function as a watch and as a container, and comes in a versatile and customizable design, as described herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To meet the needs described above and others, the present disclosure provides an interchangeable jewelry device that can be adapted to multiple styles of jewelry, can function as a watch and as a container, and comes in a versatile and customizable design. The jewelry device comprises a locket including a body and a closeable cover and a case including a socket sized to receive the body of the locket. The case can be integrated into various items of jewelry such as a necklace, a bracelet, a watch, or a brooch. Similarly, the case can receive a variety of lockets having different designs, stones, or appearances.

By providing case that receives the locket, the interchangeable jewelry device allows the user to adapt the locket for use with a necklace to a bracelet to a brooch. Further, the user may use the cavity within the locket in a number of ways, such as to display keepsake photos, as a container for scent pads or makeup, to hold personal items, or to display a watch or mirror. The locket may come in a variety of designs and materials, and it may be engraved for special inscriptions and messages.

The locket includes a body with an interior cavity and a cover that attaches to the cover by a hinge and clasp. The cover may incorporate a variety of decorative exterior designs, including fanciful ornamentation, engravings, or watch faces. The interior cavity can be used to hold a variety of personal items including lip gloss, scent pads, or mirrors. It may also include a glass pane for displaying a photograph or a watch face.

The case includes a socket for receiving the body of the locket. It may also include attachments for receiving bracelets, necklaces or pins. These attachments may include two prongs with holes for stringing through a chain or pin in the case of necklaces and brooches. The attachments for bracelets and watches may include four lugs (two on each end of the case) with embedded holes for links or hinges or holes for stringing through a chain.

The locket and case includes corresponding magnets to secure the locket within the socket of the case. A first magnet is provided on an exterior surface of the body of the locket. A second magnet is positioned on an interior surface of the socket of the case. The second magnet mates with the first magnet of the body of the locket when the locket is positioned in the socket of the case. Alternatively, a fastener, a latch, or another closing mechanism for securing the locket into the socket may be used.

In one embodiment, the locket locks into the socket of the case through a post and channel connection. The body of the locket includes one or more outwardly extending posts. A surface of the case defining the socket includes one or more channels for receiving the one or more posts of the locket. The channels have an L-shape so that the post(s) of the locket move through the vertical portion of the L-shaped channel as the locket is inserted into the socket and then the post(s) of the locket move through the horizontal portion of the L-shape channel as the locket is locked into place.

The user may use the locket and case assembly to adapt the locket to a variety of jewelry styles, including bracelets, watches, necklaces and brooches. The user may also remove the locket from the case and replace it with another locket with a different design or watch face. The user may remove the locket by releasing any external fasteners and removing it from the socket.

If the user would like to switch the style of jewelry, the user may remove the case from the chain, pin, bracelet, wristband or watch and attach it to a new style of jewelry, or the user could switch the locket from one case to another, depending on how the case is adapted to receive jewelry.

The locket may come in a variety of sizes, designs, colors, and materials. For example, the locket may include traditional jewelry ornamentation such as filigree or gemstones, or it may display a family photo on the outside. The locket and case assemblies may further come in a variety of shapes, including circles, squares, hearts, rectangles and ovals. The user may adapt jewelry styles to varying shapes by switching the cases along with the lockets in order to accommodate the desired shape.

An object of the invention is to provide a jewelry piece that the user can adapt to multiple styles of jewelry.

Another object of the invention is to provide a jewelry piece that has multiple potential functions, including holding keepsakes, makeup, scents or displaying a watch face or mirror.

An advantage of the invention is that it provides an easy-to-use method for installing and removing the lockets to the cases and then taking the cases from one style of jewelry to another.

Another advantage of the invention is that it provides a variety of options for designs, shapes, engravings and customization on the jewelry.

A further advantage of the invention is that it allows the user to create many different jewelry pieces from one set of adaptable lockets and jewelry attachments.

Yet another advantage of the invention is that it allows the user to use a favorite piece of jewelry in many different applications.

Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the examples will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description and the accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation of the examples. The objects and advantages of the concepts may be realized and attained by means of the methodologies, instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective, exploded view of an interchangeable jewelry device including locket having a cover in an open position and a case of the present application.

FIG. 2 is a perspective, exploded view of the jewelry device of FIG. 1 showing the cover of the locket in the closed position.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the jewelry device of FIG. 1 showing the locket within the case.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view from above of the locket of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view from above of the locket having the cover in the open position of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 6A-6D are the perspective view of the front, the perspective view of the back, the front elevational view, and the side elevational view of the locket of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are plan views of the locket of FIG. 1 with and without the cover, respectively, showing dimensions.

FIGS. 8A-8D are the perspective view of the front, the perspective view of the back, the front elevational view, and the side elevational view of the case of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the case of FIG. 1 showing dimensions.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view from above of the case and a perspective view from below of the locket of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the interchangeable jewelry device of the present application.

FIG. 12 is perspective, exploded view of the interchangeable jewelry device of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view from below of the locket and a perspective view from above of the case of the interchangeable jewelry device of FIG. 11.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are cross-sectional views of the interchangeable jewelry device of FIG. 11 taken generally along lines 14A-14A and 14B, respectively.

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate various embodiments of securing mechanisms of the case of the present application.

FIG. 16 illustrates alternative embodiments of the jewelry device of present application used with a variety of items of jewelry.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the interchangeable jewelry device 100 of the present application includes a locket 102 with a body 104 and a cover 106 that is received into a socket 108 of a case 110. The case 110 can be integrated into various items of jewelry 112 such as a necklace, a bracelet, a watch, or a brooch such as those shown in FIG. 16. Similarly, the locket 102 within the case 110 is interchangeable so that the user can select a locket 102 from a variety having different designs, stones, or appearances.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6A-6D, the body 104 of the locket 102 defines a cavity 114 for storing items such as keepsake photos, scent pads or makeup, personal items, or a watch or mirror. The cover 106 attaches to the body 104 by a hinge 116 and clasp 118. The socket 108 of the case 110 is sized to receive the body 104 of the locket 102. In one example, the locket 102 has dimensions noted in Table 1 and as seen in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

TABLE 1 Sample dimensions for the locket 102 Reference Nominal Dimension (FIGS. 7A and 7B) (mm) A 28.68 B 22.39 C 28.66

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate an embodiment of the case 110 including the socket 108. In one example, the case 110 has dimensions noted in Table 2 and as seen in FIG. 9.

TABLE 2 Sample dimensions for the case 110 Reference Nominal Dimension (FIG. 9) (mm) D 38.60 E 27.14 F 11.50 G 2.57

In one embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the locket 102 is held within the case 110 through the use of corresponding magnets 120, 122. A first magnet 120 is positioned on an exterior surface 124 of the body 104 of the locket 102. A second magnet 122 is positioned on an interior surface 126 of the socket 108 of the case 110. The second magnet 122 mates with the first magnet 120 of the body 104 of the locket 102 when the locket 102 is positioned in the socket 108 of the case 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnets 120, 122 are positioned within an inset cavity so that the magnet 120, 122 is flush with the adjacent surface 124, 126. Any number of magnets 120, 122 may be used. Further, the magnets 120, 122 may be adhered atop the surface 124, 126 or the magnetic properties may be formed integral with the surfaces 124, 126.

The locket 102 may also be further secured within the case 110 through a post 128 and channel 130 connection as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The body 104 of the locket 102 includes one or more outwardly extending posts 128. A surface 132 of the case 110 defining the socket 108 includes one or more channels 130 for receiving the one or more posts 128 of the locket 102. The channels 130 have a series of steps so that the post(s) 128 of the locket 102 move through the vertical portions 130 a of the channel 130 as the locket 102 is inserted into the socket 108 and then the post(s) 128 of the locket 102 move through the horizontal portion 130 b of the channel 130 as the locket 102 is rotated within the socket 108. In other embodiments, the channel may Other mechanical means for securing the locket 102 within the case 110 may be used in lieu of or in combination with the post 128 and the channel 130 configuration.

FIGS. 11-14B illustrate a further embodiment of the interchangeable jewelry device 200 of the present application. Similar to the previous embodiments, the interchangeable jewelry device 200 includes a locket 202 with a body 204 and a cover 206 that is received into a socket 208 of a case 210. The locket 202 includes a locket wall 212 defining a cavity 214. The socket 208 of the case 210 is defined by a socket wall 216 and a socket base 218. As with the previous embodiment, the case 210 may be integrated into various items of jewelry 112 such as a necklace, a bracelet, a watch, or a brooch such as those shown in FIG. 16. This embodiment 200 differs from the embodiment 100 in that embodiment 200 includes first and second engagement mechanisms 220, 222 to retain the locket 202 within the socket 208 of the case 210. Further, the combination of the first and second engagement mechanisms 220, 222 enable the device 200 to automatically move between an engaging positioned and a locked position, as described in greater detail below.

The first engagement mechanism 220 includes opposing, discrete locket ribs 224 adjacent to a lower edge 226 of the locket wall 212 and opposing, discrete case ribs 228 at a midpoint along an inner surface 230 of the socket wall 216. When the locket 202 is positioned within the socket 208, the locket and case ribs 224, 228 are engaged. Specifically, the locket ribs 224 are positioned between the case ribs 228 and the socket base 218 during use. First and second locket ribs 224 are separated by first and second opposing locket spacings 232, and first and second case ribs 228 are separated by first and second opposing case spacings 234. Each of the case and locket ribs 224, 228 is sized to fit within the a corresponding spacing 232, 234 when the device 200 is in the engaging position. Specifically, the engaging position refers to the step of placing the locket 202 into the socket 208 of the case 210 by inserting the case and locket ribs 224, 228 into the corresponding locket and case spacings 232, 234.

The second engagement mechanism 222 includes a first magnet 236 positioned within a first opening 237 on an exterior surface 238 of the body 204 of the locket 202 and a second magnet 240 positioned within a second opening 241 on the base 218 of the socket 208 of the case 210. The magnets 236, 240 are polarized so that the maximum pull occurs when the oblong shapes are aligned. In other words, when the oblong shapes of the magnets 236, 240 are not aligned, the magnets 236, 240 immediate tend toward alignment. In one embodiment, the magnets 236, 240 are NeFeB-type and Nickel-plated. As described in more detail below, the magnetic force attracting the magnets 236, 240 into alignment forces the locket 202 to rotate within the socket 208 of the case 210. The oblong shapes of the magnets 236, 240 are out of alignment and transverse to one another when the locket 202 and the case 210 are in the engaging position. In the locked position, the oblong shapes of the magnets 236, 240 are aligned as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B.

During use, the locket and case ribs 224, 228 are aligned with the case and locket spacings 232, 234, respectively, in the locked position. In the engaging position, the first and second magnets 236, 240 are positioned transverse to one another out of alignment. More specifically, the ribs 224, 228 are positioned so that when the locket 202 is inserted into the case 220, the first and second magnets 236, 240 are transverse to one another having the maximum pulling force, utilizing the polarity to cause the magnets 236, 240 to rotate into alignment. As the opposite poles attract, the magnets 236, 240 rotate into alignment, causing the locket 202 to rotate within the socket 208 and consequently cause the case and locket ribs 224, 228 to engage. With the magnets 236, 240 aligned, the locket and case ribs 224, 228 are engaged in that the locket ribs 224 are positioned between the case ribs 228 and the socket base 218 seen best in FIGS. 14A and 14B. The combination of the first and second engagement mechanisms 220, 222 further secures the locket 208 within the case 210. To remove the locket 202 from the case 210, the user simply rotates the locket 202 approximately 90 degrees so that the magnets 236, 240 are out of alignment and the case and locket ribs 224, 228 align with the corresponding spacings 232, 234 and removes the locket 202 from the case 210.

The magnets 236, 240 may be secured within the corresponding openings 237, 241, respectively, within the locket 202 and case 210, respectively, through a specialized soldering process that preserves the polarity and magnetic force, using a glue, or any other suitable method so that the magnets 236, 240 will not readily detach yet allows for removal without damaging the magnet 236, 240 so that it can be used in another design if desired. For example, the soldering may be accomplished using a eutectic alloy that has a liquidus temperature that is well below the Curie point (i.e., the point at which the magnets 236, 240 lose their magnetism). Further, the soldering may be performed in the presence of an intense magnetic field so that the loss of magnetic strength to heat is minimized. In another embodiment, a glue may be used that binds the Nickel-plated surface of the magnets 236, 240 within the openings 237, 241 to the locket and case surfaces. Such glue may create a significantly strong joint. Alternatively, a groove may be cut into the surface of the magnets 236, 240 and the corresponding openings 237, 241 and filled with a non-magnetic filler in an adhesive or resin, increasing the contact area of the adhesive or resin. In yet another embodiment, the attachment may be accomplished using mechanical means, such as prongs (similar to a prong setting used to secure a diamond onto a surface of jewelry), rivets, screws, inlay, friction, moving the body metal against the edge of the magnet, undercutting one side of the joint and closing the joint by pressure, burnishing, or another suitable mechanical process, or a frame that sits within the case or locket and/or openings within the case or locket. The frame may be attached by rivets, screws, inlay, friction, undercutting and burnishing, adhesive, or a weld (such as by laser, arc, resistance, friction, or any other suitable welding technology).

Referring to FIGS. 15A and 15B, the case 110, 210 may also include a securing mechanism 134 for attaching to a bracelet, a necklace, a brooch, or other items of jewelry. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-3, 8A-8D, and 11B, the securing mechanism 134 includes first and second pairs of lugs 136, each lug 136 including an embedded hole 138 for receiving one of a link and a hinge of an item of jewelry 112 as shown in FIG. 13. A bracelet or watch may connect to the pair or pairs of lugs 136. FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate a case 110 including first and second pairs of lugs 136 that extend downwardly from the case 110 so as to curve along with the user's wrist when worn as a bracelet or watch 112. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 15A, the securing mechanism 134 is a bail 140 with an opening 142 for stringing through a chain or pin in the case of necklaces and brooches. Other types of securing mechanisms may be used as preferred or required by the corresponding item of jewelry.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. 

I claim:
 1. An interchangeable jewelry device comprising: a locket including a body having a locket wall defining a cavity, and wherein the locket has opposing, discrete locket ribs extending outwardly adjacent to a lower edge of the locket wall; a case including a socket defined by a socket wall sized to receive the body of the locket, wherein the case has opposing, discrete case ribs adjacent to an upper edge of the socket wall; a first magnet positioned on an exterior surface of the body of the locket, wherein the first magnet has an oblong shape extending between opposing first magnet ends; and a second magnet positioned on an interior surface of the socket of the case, wherein the second magnet has an oblong shape extending between opposing second magnet ends; wherein the first and second magnets are aligned and the locket and case ribs are engaged when the locket is secured within the socket of the case.
 2. The interchangeable jewelry device of claim 1, wherein the opposing locket ribs are separated by opposing locket spacings, and wherein the opposing case ribs are separated by opposing case spacings.
 3. The interchangeable jewelry device of claim 2, wherein the first and second magnets are rotated out of alignment when the opposing locket ribs are aligned with the opposing case spacings.
 4. The interchangeable jewelry device of claim 1, wherein the locket ribs are adjacent to the first magnet ends and wherein the case ribs are adjacent to the second magnet ends.
 5. The interchangeable jewelry device of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second magnets has a rectangular shape.
 6. The interchangeable jewelry device of claim 1, wherein when the locket is positioned within the case, the locket automatically rotates in order to align the first and second magnets and to engage the locket and case ribs.
 7. The interchangeable jewelry device of claim 1, wherein the case includes a securing mechanism that engages with an item of jewelry.
 8. The interchangeable jewelry device of claim 7, wherein the item of jewelry comprises one of a necklace, a watch, and a bracelet.
 9. An interchangeable jewelry device comprising: a locket including a body and a cover, wherein the body includes a locket wall defining a cavity, and wherein the cover attaches to the body by a hinge; and a case including a socket defined by a socket wall and a socket base sized to receive the body of the locket; a first engagement mechanism including a locket rib extending outwardly from the locket wall near a lower edge and a case rib extending inwardly from the socket wall near an upper edge, wherein the locket rib is positioned between the case rib and the socket base during use; and a second engagement mechanism including a first magnet having an oblong shape positioned on an exterior surface of the body of the locket and a second magnet having an oblong shape positioned on the socket base of the case, wherein the first and second magnet are aligned during use.
 10. The interchangeable jewelry device of claim 9, the first engagement mechanism includes first and second locket ribs separated by a spacing and first and second case ribs, each case rib having a length, and wherein the length of the case rib is smaller than the spacing of the first and second locket ribs.
 11. The interchangeable jewelry device of claim 9, wherein each of the first and second magnets has a rectangular shape.
 12. The interchangeable jewelry device of claim 9, wherein the case includes a securing mechanism that engages with an item of jewelry.
 13. The interchangeable jewelry device of claim 10, wherein the item of jewelry comprises one of a necklace, a watch, and a bracelet.
 14. An interchangeable jewelry device comprising: a locket including a body, wherein the body includes a locket wall defining a cavity; and a case including a socket defined by a socket wall and a socket base sized to receive the body of the locket; a first engagement mechanism including a locket rib extending outwardly from the locket wall near a lower edge and a case rib extending inwardly from the socket wall near an upper edge, wherein the locket rib is positioned between the case rib and the socket base during use; and a second engagement mechanism including a first magnet having an oblong shape positioned on an exterior surface of the body of the locket and a second magnet having an oblong shape positioned on the socket base of the case, wherein the first and second magnet are aligned during use; wherein the locket and the case move between an engaging position and a locked position; wherein, in the engaging position, the first and second magnets are transverse to one another; and wherein, in the locked position, the first and second magnets are aligned with one another.
 15. The interchangeable jewelry device of claim 14, wherein, in the engaging position, the locket and case ribs are out of alignment, and wherein, in the locked position, the locket and case ribs in alignment. 